Right Away!: A Train Driver Recalls His Railway Career

by Stephen Davies

Steve Davies spent 48 years working in the railway industry from 1969 to 2017. His insider’s view of the railways is presented in an easy to read style that will appeal to those in the industry as well as those for whom the jargon would be incomprehensible without Steve’s explanations. He started work as a messenger boy and in 1982 he took his first driving turn. He subsequently kept 148 notebooks recording the details of all the trains he had driven including details of trains, times, number of coaches or tonnage of freight hauled. This fascinating insight into the day-to-day workings of the railway industry will be of interest to railway workers, enthusiasts and all of us who have ever wondered “What’s it really like to drive a train?”.

Genres: Nonfiction

396 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 22, 2019

Reviews

[Brian Turner · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars
An interesting look at the career of the author during his time on mostly South Western area trains.
Starting in the days of British Rail and moving into its later breaking up into various train operator companies.
Stephen Davies kept extensive notes of which trains and routes he was on, and trainspotters will be delighted as he tells which type of train and its various number of carriages/loads it was for.
Personally these didn't do much for me, but his explanations of day to day running, events that happened and the changes to the running by the different companies are told in a straightforward manner.

[Matthew Culley · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a very interesting account of the Author's career in the railway industry from the 1970s to 2017. The information on working for BR in the 1970s, with second manning and freight guards is particularly fascinating. It is also interesting to learn how sectorisation and privatisation changed the job. There are plenty of anecdotes and stories. This book will be of use to railway historians, I imagine.

[peter cherry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book

One of the best ex drivers memoirs I've read.As a ex driver working in a different part of the country and driving different loco s and units i can relate to everything in this book.Thoroughly enjoyed this book and brought back many memories.Thank you Mr Davies.

[Simon wiemers · Rating 4 out of 5]

An excellent memoir of a railwayman

He paints a vivid picture of life on the railway including the effect on his personal life and the highs and lows. He also shows the importance of belonging to a union

[Dave Gilmour · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an interesting read! I worked for BR on clerical duties from July 1974 until August 1988. For 5 years I was a guards roster clerk and had to be familiar with the National and local arrangements. A challenging job.

This book brought back many fond memories

[Jackie Ellis · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great insight into a very rich career in train driving. A good read, humbling at times.